The author is a Forbes contributor. The opinions expressed are those of the writer.

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Some Israeli newspapers are guessing that Israel will strike Iran later in 2013. According to Reuters, those newspapers include Maariv and Yedioth Ahronoth, that believe Israel will attack Iran in "spring 2013" because that's when they think Netanyahu believes Iran will have made enough "20 percent-enriched uranium for a first bomb, if purified further."

But Reuters notes that two other newspapers -- Haaretz and pro-government Israel Hayom -- are estimating a mid-2013 attack.

Whoever is president in January will have to deal with the unpredictable worldwide reaction to an Israeli strike -- if it happens. For example, Would Iran involve the rest of the world by sending missiles to strike U.S. interests – such as our Middle Eastern embassies? Would Iran cut off the flow of oil out of the Middle East? Will Russia and China line up behind Iran and take positions against the U.S.? Will Israel be able to withstand Iran's efforts to retaliate?

This cluster of issues is so important that it would make a good debate topic on Wednesday. For example, it is worth considering the scenario that Iran would attack U.S. interests and cut off the flow of oil from the Middle East.

Moreover, Russia and China may well help supply arms to Iran for its attacks. And while Israel may be able to defend itself from rocket attacks – it is unclear whether it will have enough ground forces in the event that Egypt gets in on the attack.

I would like to hear how the candidates would propose that the U.S. prepare for such outcomes and what policies they would implement if they happened.

Because if these rumors are realized, an Israeli attack on Iran would be the biggest issue our President will face in 2013 – and possibly beyond.